This is how to make Kool Aid paint so your kids can watercolor painting idea safely at home! A fun and inexpensive craft for kids that is easy to put together. Free from chemicals it’s a great activity for Preschool children and toddlers too!
We love easy crafts for kids, cheap ones are even better and this Kool Aid paint meets both those requirements! It is non toxic for the youngest of children, perfect craft for Preschoolers and really fun too! (affiliate links present)
Whether you’re a Kindergarten teacher looking for a fun activity for center time or a mom looking for a rainy day activity that is cheap, this one will make your kids smile.
Video
Materials Needed
- Kool Aid packets, drink mix without the sugar added – you can find a variety of colors online or at the store, they will be used instead of food colors. This is not really that different than if you used Jello, which we use for candied grapes.
- Water, more or less depending on brilliance you desire. If dyeing hair you would use less to last longer and a brighter hue.
- Paint brushes – small ones with little tips are best if you are watercoloring. Thicker handles work better for little hands though.
- Paper – watercolor paper works best so it doesn’t seep thru to the other side.
- Small cups – I find small Dixie cups are inexpensive and the perfect size
If you want really brilliant colors then add less water, more water for lighter Kool-Aid paint colors. The kids can even make these watercolors because it is no more than water and Kool Aid. You can use other brands out there as well if you already have those or the other brands are on sale, it works the same.
How to Make Kool Aid Paint
Time needed: 10 minutes
How to Make Kool Aid Paint
- Combine
For a paint recipe using a packet of Kool Aid you just pour each Kool Aid packet into a separate small cup. Use a variety of colors for more fun.
- Mix
Add 1 tbsp. of warm water into each cup and stir well until the Kool Aid is dissolves.
- Paint
Lay down a protective tablecloth on to your table to catch any spills. Give each child a paintbrush, different cups of colored paints, and a piece of paper to watercolor.
- Save
Can store unused paints in covered containers in the fridge for a few days (make note that Kool aid may stain containers and/or clothing)
How to Paint Your Hair with Kool Aid
1. Dip-Dye Method (for ends or streaks)
- Mix 2–3 packets of Kool-Aid with 1–2 cups of hot water.
- Stir until fully dissolved.
- Dip the ends of your hair in the mixture for 10–30 minutes, depending on how bold you want it.
- Rinse (no shampoo), dry, and style.
2. Paste Method (For all-over color):
- Mix Kool-Aid powder with a few spoonfuls of conditioner to form a paste.
- Apply to dry hair using a brush or gloves.
- Wrap in foil or plastic.
- Let sit for 2–4 hours, then rinse out (no shampoo).
Other fun kids activities you’ll love
You can do all sorts of fun watercolor painting activities with this, even creating free Christmas labels for your gifts during the holidays that relatives can save. Kids love Rainbow weaving art on the weekends too. And our edible playdough recipe is another cheap craft.
